Gardeners' Notes:

Though it is listed as being partly poisonous, I believe that is an allergic reaction on the part of people who have been exposed to the true nettle (not the unrelated Florida spurge-nettle), as it is a member of the Urticaceae. Grown with moisture and filtered sun or high shade, it is a delicate pleasure in winter and early spring salads, especially with tender little cucumbers or Melothria fruits, new lettuce, little scented jump-ups, and the youngest, mildest dill.

The seeds are a bit larger than you'd expect with this dainty, but hard to find. They self-sow, but also form divisible mats on hospitable ground.

This is a weed. I like weeds. It's susceptible to downy mildew. Grows lushly in filtered sun areas, often next to fences or under shrubs. Crushed foliage has a cucumber odor. Some people report a rash if they eat it. It will fade out or wither in the long dry summer heat, but grow again when the weather cools. Flowers are inconspicuous. Mounds to a foot high near me, but can grow prostrate within a sparse lawn as long as there is water available.